Do you know what it's like to live this way? The ketogenic way of life consists of eating low carb, moderate protein content, and high fat food items. Do it for the rest of your life, and you'll be living a ketogenic lifestyle. Needless to say, processed food has hardly any place in it.
The ketogenic diet is based on the idea of what mankind consumed before civilization was even a thing. Hunting tools were inefficient back then. Catching animals was luck of the draw, and food preservatives were not commonplace. As a result, our ancestors had to rely mostly on fruits and vegetables in order to be healthy. Their diet allowed their bodies to produce ketones because a lot of the plants they consume are low in sugar. Ketones are acids that come from the liver and are used as an alternative energy source by the body.
Can you imagine what it would be like if our ancestors had access to advanced medicine back then? Centenarians would have been very common.
Quick Navigation
Benefits
If you want to live long, then making a habit out of eating keto-friendly foods is the best thing to do. Check out some of the reasons why a ketogenic lifestyle works wonders:
You don't have to give up a lot
Unlike other diet plans, a ketogenic diet menu is wide-ranging. You can feed on cheese, eggs, yogurt, coffee, tea, chocolate, or even bacon. Yes, some processed foods are allowed, but it's best to avoid them as much as possible.
Allows you to think more clearly
Much of what makes us feel good is in the food we eat. If you feel good, you'll be able to give more attention to activities that make you productive. You'll procrastinate less and get more things done in a day. When you become a senior, your lifestyle choice will reward you by significantly reducing your chances of getting Alzheimer’s.
See more clearly
Maintaining good eyesight is a challenge nowadays. People of all ages now have screens to look at from morning til night. Checking your phone is probably the first and last thing that you would do when waking up and before going to bed. If you have high blood sugar levels, you'll also have higher chances of developing a cataract. On the other hand, having a keto-friendly way of life will prevent it because you'll be eating low-carb and high fat foods.
What to Eat
You might be wondering what you can and can't eat when on a keto diet. We'll explain what exactly a low-carb, moderate protein, and high fat diet is, and then give you some examples.
A ketogenic diet consists of:
You won't see those numbers when buying food, so here are some examples:
Fish, shellfish, sea cucumber, seaweed
Seafood is rich in fat, the healthy kind. Salmon, tuna, and sardines contain omega-3 that protects against depression, arthritis, asthma, and dementia. Meanwhile, shrimps and crabs contain no carbohydrates at all, but they are rich in fat.
Broccoli, cauliflower, other green vegetables
Green vegetables, such as broccoli have very low carb content and are loaded with fibers and antioxidant. They are generally recommended in many diet regimes. Starchy veggies, on the other hand should be eaten in moderation.
Cheese, yogurt, other dairy foods
Dairy foods are rich in calcium, fat, and low in carbohydrates. They are a great addition to the ketogenic diet. Be careful with flavored yogurt, though. Many of them contain high sugar content.
Meat, eggs
Whether it's beef, pork, or chicken, the meat you eat contains protein, fat, and some carbohydrates. Grass-fed meat is preferred, but processed meat can also be eaten in moderation. Meanwhile, eggs are abundant all over the world. They are also affordable and easy to prepare.
These are just some examples of the wide selection of food that you can eat while living the ketogenic way of life. There's not much to give up, does it?
Quick Tips to Get You Started
The first step towards a ketogenic lifestyle is always the most challenging. Determining what to eat and what to avoid can be frustrating. Below are some quick tips to get you on the right track on your first try:
Don't worry too much
You are not required to follow the rules to the letter to be able to live this kind of life. Relax, take it slow, and clear your mind. You'll have better decisions this way.
Keep working out
The ketogenic way of life is not just about what food to eat. It's also about other activities that will keep you healthy. If you have been doing exercises before, then keep on doing it. It's good for the heart and will burn up excess energy faster.
Keep hydrated
It is important that your body is hydrated at all times. If you missed a meal due to indecision, then at least drink water. It certainly takes time to get used to the new environment. So, just hang in there and keep hydrated for the time being.
